Definitions
- A fact is something you can prove.
- An inference is a guess based on what you see and what you know (an educated guess). An inference is made by “reading between the lines”.
- A conclusion is something you can figure out based on the facts. Conclusions are the judgments or decisions we reach based on the information we have, including the inferences we make. A conclusion can also be the end or finish of a certain process.
- A generalization is a broad statement about something that is true in one specific case that is extended to ever possible case.
Video
https://www.teachertube.com/videos/inferenceanddrawingconclusions-295318
Practice Drawing Conclusions
This exercise shows the difference between making inferences and drawing conclusions. However, it focuses on practicing the kinds of critical thinking that allow us to draw useful conclusions.
Conclusions and Generalizations
This lesson from the GED prep book gives practice at drawing conclusions and making generalizations.
Drawing Conclusions in an Essay
This page focuses on drawing conclusions as a reading skill. However, when you are closing an argumentative or persuasive essay, you will drawing conclusions in your own writing. For ideas about to do this, click here.